VOR update

The two Dutch boats, ABN AMRO ONE (Mike Sanderson) and ABN AMRO TWO (Sebastien Josse) along with Pirates of the Caribbean (Paul Cayard) finally made their turn to the east around 0930 GMT this morning and are now in the westerly breeze they have been longing for. ING Real Estate Brunel is still heading south, but 91nautical miles behind movistar (Bouwe Bekking) who still holds lead.

Movistar now has less breeze and the time of reckoning is near. The southerly group has taken over 20 miles out of her lead and are sailing three knots quicker, feeling the benefit of the new breeze. Will movistar have made enough gain to the east to outpace this group?

Volvo Ocean Race meteorologist, Chris Bedford, explains: “The westerly winds are solid and look like they will gradually increase over the next 24 hours. This will probably be too much for movistar, especially as both the Dutch boats will revel in the strong following breeze to come. By later tomorrow, a strong depression is expected to pass south of the fleet. Winds will increase to 30 knots or more, and the southerly yachts will benefit most and movistar’s lead will be at serious risk to the southerly boats.”

Meanwhile, Ericsson (Neal McDonald) one of the two yachts suffering damage, has arrived in Mossel Bay in South Africa and officially suspended racing at 0020 GMT. The team’s hydraulics expert is currently examining the damaged keel rams. Brasil 1 is expected to arrive in Port Elizabeth around 1800 local time this afternoon.

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